Babar Azam and Steve Smith produced a match-defining performance in the Sydney derby during the 2025–26 Big Bash League season, putting together a commanding 141-run opening partnership to guide the Sydney Sixers to a comfortable chase of 190.
After Sydney Thunder posted 189 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs, the Sixers’ openers began the pursuit with clear intent while adopting contrasting approaches. Steve Smith took on the bowlers aggressively from the outset and delivered a breathtaking century, scoring 100 runs off just 41 balls. His explosive innings included five fours and nine sixes and featured a record-breaking over in which he smashed four consecutive sixes and a boundary, collecting 32 runs, the most ever scored in a single over in Big Bash League history.
Babar Azam played the role of anchor, supporting Smith with a composed and well-paced knock. The Pakistan batter scored 47 off 39 deliveries, striking seven boundaries and rotating the strike efficiently to keep the scoreboard moving. The opening pair helped the Sixers race past 100 runs inside the first 10 overs, effectively taking control of the chase. Babar fell just short of what could have been his third match-shaping half-century of the season.
Earlier in the match, David Warner had laid a strong foundation for the Thunder with an unbeaten 110 off 65 balls, an innings that featured 11 fours and four sixes and lifted his side to a competitive total. However, the dominant opening stand between Smith and Babar ultimately proved decisive, making the chase look routine and sealing the derby in emphatic fashion for the Sydney Sixers.
